Journal of Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis

Lipocalin 2 Level Predicts Prognostic Outcome in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Surgical Intervention

Abstract

Chia-Lo Chang, Yung-Lung Chen, Yen-Ta Chen, Steve Leu, Li-Teh Chang, Chang-Han Chen, Chien-Chang Lu, Wang-Hseng Hu, Ko- Chao Lee, Kai-Lung Tsai, Hsueh-Wen Chang, Hong-Hwa Chen and Hon-Kan Yip

This study examined the predictive role of circulating lipocalin 2 in long-term prognostic outcome of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients with surgical intervention. 204 CRC patients with surgical intervention between April 2009 and May 2011 were prospectively enrolled. Circulating lipocalin 2 levels in CRC patients before surgery and healthy-control subjects were measured using ELISA. Patients were categorized into different CRC clinical stage (I to IV) based on pathological findings. Mean follow-up time was 21.2 ± 3.5 months. Patients were categorized into group 1 (n=67), lipocalin 2 levels <116.7 ng/ ml; and group 2 (n=137), lipocalin 2 levels ≥ 116.7 ng/ml by ROC curve analysis. CRC patients had higher circulating levels of lipocalin 2 than healthy subjects (P<0.0001). Occurrence of new metastases after surgery, primary (any cause of death or new metastasis) and secondary (CRC-related death and new metastasis) combined endpoint were higher in group 1 than group 2 (all P<0.03). Lower lipocalin 2 levels and CRC stage IV was independently predictive of primary and secondary combined endpoint (all P<0.001) during long-term follow-up. In conclusion, circulating lipocalin 2 level may be a useful biomarker for risk stratification of CRC patients during long-term follow-up.